exploration

noun

ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən 

-ˌsplȯ-

: the act or an instance of exploring

explorational

ˌek-splə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-ˌsplȯ-

adjective

Synonyms

• investigation
• inquiry
• examination
• study
• probing
• research
• probe

Examples of exploration in a Sentence

a topic for scholarly exploration

the early exploration of the West

early explorations of the West

Recent Examples on the Web

As search efforts continue, there has been no sign of the 46-year-old woman — even after a multi-agency exploration of a nearby forest preserve. —Sam Gillette, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025

The plan calls for up to two drill rigs operating simultaneously during exploration. —John Leos, AZCentral.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Regretting You centers on the aftermath of a tragic car accident that claims the lives of two family members and leads to an exploration of past secrets and regrets. —Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025

The five-year TRIO Student Support Services grant will help fund academic tutoring, financial aid, scholarship guidance, career exploration, personal and academic counseling and mentoring for 200 students per year at the college. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing exploration

• re-exploration
• self-exploration

Rhymes for exploration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

exploration

noun

ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən 

: the act or an instance of exploring